Ibicoara: An Unmissable Tourist Destination

Published on November 26, 2012 · Updated on August 3, 2025

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Located in the Chapada Diamantina, the city of Ibicoara, which means “hole in the ground”, attracts tourists for its gastronomy, culture and beautiful waterfalls.

The city was founded in the 19th century with the arrival of prospectors in the Chapada in search of gold. Originally known as the “village of São Bento”, the town served as a resting place for those travelling from Mucugê and Andaraí.

Ibicoara na Chapada Diamantina — Ibicoara in the Chapada Diamantina

History of Ibicoara

Ibicoara was born at the beginning of the 19th century with the arrival of some prospectors in search of gold.

Origin: The settlement of Ibicoara really began at the beginning of the 19th century with the arrival of prospectors looking for gold. The village of São Bento served as a resting place for drovers and prospectors travelling between Mucugê and Andaraí. The coffee industry and the raising of cattle developed in the region, forming the local economy.

Name and meaning

The town was renamed Igarassu and in the 1940s was promoted to a district with the name Ibicoara, which is of Tupi origin and means “land” (yby) and “cave” or “hole” (kûara), referring to the natural formations of the terrain in the Chapada Diamantina.

Emancipation: The city officially became a district in 1941 and was renamed Ibicoara, before being emancipated from Mucugê in 1962.

Festivities and culture

The Festivals inherited from the ancestors stand out, such as the Festival of Saint Benedict and the Reisado, as well as the June Festival and the Carnival.

Typical gastronomy

Some of the city’s typical dishes are godó or banana cutlets, beiju and couscous. Currently, coffee and potatoes are cultivated.

Watch a video about Ibicoara

Ibicoara na Chapada Diamantina04:14

História de Ibicoara na Chapada Diamantina03:20

Cachoeira do Buracão na Chapada Diamantina08:34

Ibicoara Tourist Attractions

There are several routes and attractions in Ibicoara, with the most visited routes including the Buracão and Fumacinha waterfalls, as well as other beautiful cascades on the same routes to the main waterfalls.

Among Ibicoara’s other natural beauties are the Licuri, Véu de Noiva, Rio Preto, Penedo and Toca do Vaqueiro waterfalls.

The place offers camping, easy, short and long hikes, as well as beautiful green landscapes with mountains, hills, forests, native vegetation and the Sincorá mountain range, which can be seen from anywhere in the city and is considered one of the most beautiful mountains in Brazil.

1. Buracão Waterfall

The Buracão waterfall has opened up tourism for the municipality of Ibicoara.

Cachoeira do Buracão em Ibicoara BA — Buracão Waterfall, Ibicoara BA

The winding canyons attract tourists who find different possibilities to abseil, cascade, climb and trek, either alone or together in canyoning, one of the most exciting forms of adventure tourism, which consists in descending canyons and waterfalls in a sportive way, bridging gaps, using special equipment and different techniques.

Distance by car: Ibicoara 30 km and Mucugê 106 km
Access on foot: 3 km
Average time: 1h
Physical effort: easy to moderate

2. Ecotourism in Ibicoara

Ibicoara has what it takes to become one of the best destinations in the Chapada Diamantina.

The city’s main attraction is the Buracão Waterfall. Located 30 km from the city centre, the waterfall is 85 metres high and indescribably beautiful.

Mountains, trails and streams amuse and delight tourists who come to the city in search of ecotourism.

3. Espalhado Municipal Nature Park

Located 30 kilometres from the city centre, the park is a natural attraction with several jumps, ravines and waterfalls.

Its main attraction is the Buracão Waterfall, 85 metres high, considered one of the most beautiful in the Chapada Diamantina.

The trail follows the Rio Espalhado, the Recanto das Orquídeas and Recanto Verde waterfalls, and crosses the canyon to the Buracão Fountain.

See the map of Chapada Diamantina National Park

See the map of Chapada Diamantina

Tourist guide to Ibicoara in Chapada Diamantina

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Written by Willy Sievert

Editor of Bahia.ws since its founding in 2009. Based in Salvador, he travels frequently across the Northeast and all of Brazil to keep the guides up to date. Learn more about Willy Sievert →